Almost every parent worries that their child is not eating enough. But how can you tell if it’s just a phase or something more serious? Anorexia is a complex disorder that can be difficult to diagnose. Because it often starts as a simple body transformation plan that goes too far, it can be easy to dismiss the early signs as “teenage vanity.” So let’s explore some of the warning signs of anorexia and ways to manage it.

What is anorexia?
It is an eating disorder and mental health condition affecting people’s eating habits. It’s usually defined as a persistent pattern of abnormal eating habits, which can lead to rapid low BMI levels and severe health problems.

People with anorexia typically restrict the volume of food they eat to prevent gaining excess body fat or continuing to decrease BMI counts. They may also exercise excessively and try to keep their body shape under control by using extreme activity to control their body mass and shape.

There are many different eating disorders, but anorexia is the most common. It’s estimated that 1 in 25 women will develop anorexia at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common mental disorders in women. Because anorexia is so complex and has a wide range of symptoms, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose it correctly. That’s why it’s crucial for anyone who thinks they might have an eating disorder to get help from a doctor or therapist.

Physical signs or symptoms of anorexia
There are several physical signs or symptoms of anorexia that can be difficult to miss. These include:

• Fatigue is due to the excessive energy expenditure required to maintain low BMI levels.
• Thin appearance, as the person loses muscle mass and bone density.
• Amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods) can occur as a result of malnutrition.
• Abnormal blood counts are caused by anemia (low levels of red blood cells) and iron deficiency anemia.
• Low blood pressure may be due to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
• Dehydration is the most common symptom of anorexia, as the body tries to conserve water to maintain a healthy physique.
• Other signs and symptoms of anorexia include abdominal pain, insomnia, intolerance of cold temperatures, swelling of arms or legs, and even hair loss.

If you notice any of these physical signs or symptoms in someone who seems anxious about their body or appears unhealthy overall, it’s essential to reach out for help.

Behavioral signs or symptoms of anorexia
There are several behavioral signs or symptoms of anorexia nervosa that can be difficult to detect:

• Fear of gaining body fat
  Anorexics frequently fear getting too heavy and may avoid all forms of physical activity to prevent muscle mass from increasing. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and dizziness due to low blood pressure levels caused by low heart rate variability (HRV).
• Frequently skipping meals
  Anorexics tend not only to skip meals but also to delay breakfast until late in the morning or even not eat at all for extended periods of time. Skipping meals causes your body’s energy reserves to dwindle, resulting in feelings of lethargy, malaise, irritability, headache, nausea, and dry mouth.
• Denial of hunger
  Many anorexics believe that if they consume large amounts of food daily, they will get fat instead of thinning out their bodies as intended. This denial leads many anorexics into dangerous situations where they restrict their caloric intake.
• Social withdrawal
  Those suffering from anorexia often withdraw from friends, family members, and activities that used to please them because they know those things involve eating. This isolation can make it difficult for people to seek help if they start experiencing health problems related to their food plan.

How can you treat anorexia?
There are many different ways to treat anorexia, and the best approach will vary depending on factors such as overall health, age, health condition and history, and personal preferences. Some common treatments include nutrition counseling and therapy. Making lifestyle changes is also an essential part of treating anorexia.
Adopting strategies for dealing with stress and healthy habits such as eating regular meals, getting enough sleep, and following an exercise routine can help improve your physical and mental health.